15 years old, distilled 2nd December 1999, 53.8% abv, refill ex-bourbon hogshead, 273 bottles

The nose has peaches, lemons, rosewater and a hint of fresh bread. The mouthfeel is smooth with little cling. The body has more fruit notes - peach, nectarine, lemon, grapefruit - and then a sudden arrival of a heavy tea. Perhaps Assam? I'm not sure which, but it certainly blindsided me! The finish has a freshly drained teapot, lemons, peaches and a hint of rosewater again.

Water brings out thick, short-lived whorling which doesn’t spread far. The nose now has baked peaches and pears, then a hint of peanuts. The body hasn't lost the tea note, but it is quieter and better integrated. The finish is smokey toffee and lemon, with hints of peach.

A very interesting dram, bound to provoke discussion - but not because of any faults.

3.5/5